UNMIK/PR/848
Wednesday, 16 October 2002

SRSG Michael Steiner meets Patriarch Pavle

SRSG Michael Steiner met today with the Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Pavle and four Bishops from the Holy Synod in Belgrade.

During a long and cordial meeting, they talked about the current situation in Kosovo. They also discussed the importance of Kosovo Serb participation in the 26 October municipal elections.

In talks described as warm and intensive, the SRSG and high Orthodox officials discussed the difficulties, progress and opportunities facing the people of Kosovo.

SRSG Michael Steiner said he was encouraged by the discussions during which he received support for his seven-point plan for Mitrovica and for his concept on decentralization.

The Patriarch also encouraged Kosovo Serbs to participate in the upcoming elections and said he wants a better future for the new generation in Kosovo. To that the SRSG said he “could not agree more.”

This evening SRSG Michael Steiner was to meet with ambassadors from EU countries to brief them on the current situation in Kosovo and the plan for Mitrovica.

This afternoon he gave a press briefing at the Belgrade Media Center